A Letter from the Coordinating Council Regarding COVID-19 and Worship Gatherings

November 19, 2020

Indian Nations Presbytery Minister Members and Clerks of Session,

The COVID situation in Oklahoma continues to decline amid a spike in cases nationwide. What began as a steady increase in new cases, hospitalizations and deaths has become the exponential growth that public health experts fear most. The virus is spreading in our communities, and our communities have largely not responded, allowing the situation to grow worse every day.

Information provided to presbyteries paints a grim picture. Presbytery and Synod leaders regularly have been briefed by Lisa Allgood, an immunologist who is transitional presbyter in Cincinnati. A copy of a recent report is attached.

As a result of the current situation, the Coordinating Council strongly urges those churches in the presbytery who are gathering for in-person worship to suspend such activities for the time being and, if possible, rely on virtual worship.

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For pastors conducting services at churches who decline to suspend in-person worship, Indian Nations Presbytery affirms this policy statement, adopted by Blackhawk Presbytery in Illinois:

"… A long-standing article of faith in the Presbyterian Church (USA) is that ‘God alone is Lord of the conscience.’ In keeping with that principle, if a pastor … is asked to perform a service or attend an activity which they feel could potentially lead to his or her contracting Covid-19, they shall be given the right to either abstain from that service or to find a safer alternative means of performing that service. No Session or congregation may use such an incident as grounds for changing that pastor’s employment by the congregation in any way."

Remember, too, that when a church meets in person, it’s not just the attendees who are impacted. People clean the space, prepare for the service, drive others, and carry out other roles. We need to be mindful that our actions, even well-meaning ones like going to church, impact others.

Though part of the call to Charlie Smith as Interim Presbytery Pastor is to visit churches and attend Sunday services, travel is suspended until year’s end. Presbytery staff also may work from home. We will keep members informed of any disruptions in office hours or activities.

We all are weary and fatigued after dealing with this pandemic for 8 months. The latest spike in cases is another difficult blow in an already difficult year. But now is not the time to let our guard down. Isolation, social distancing, avoiding gatherings, masks and hand-washing still need to be an integral and responsible part of our lives.

We are optimistic over the news of a potential vaccine to fight COVID. We are also confident that in these constantly changing and challenging times, we will continue to innovate. We will continue to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And, as ever, we will get through this together by supporting one another.

Coordinating Council

Indian Nations Presbytery

Rev. Rick Baggett, HR

Rev. Tracy L. Evans, Stated Clerk, Memorial Presbyterian Church, Norman

Rev. Ron Fike

Melissa Gill RE, Committee on Nomination and Representation, Moderator

Blake Harrison RE, Region 5, Church of the Savior, OKC

Sue Johnson RE, Region 1, First Presbyterian Church, Hobart

Charlotte Lovett RE, INP Moderator, Memorial Presbyterian Church, Norman

Rev. John McKinnon, Coordinating Council, Vice Moderator, First Presbyterian Church, OKC

Martin McNeese RE, Committee on Ministry, Moderator, Santa Fe Presbyterian Church, Edmond

Mike Mize RE, Committee on Preparation for Ministry, Westminster Presbyterian Church, OKC

Deanna Piercy RE, Region 4, First Presbyterian Church, Ada

Rev. Charlie Smith, Interim Presbytery Pastor, Indian Nations Presbytery

Craig Stanley RE, Committee on Administration, Moderator, Westminster Presbyterian Church, OKC